Battling Hunger from Dexamethasone (cortisol steroid) for Adrenal Insufficiency. Must med to live

1000eak

Hello. This is my first post. I have a challenge which is my appetite because I have to take Dexamethasone to replace my cortisol for complete adrenal insufficiency due to a pituitary adenoma. I’m 47 and my metabolism is not what it used to be before my diagnosis eight years ago. I used to be very thin. I’m now approximately 30 to 40 pounds overweight. I have major fatigue issues and it’s difficult to exercise. Does anyone out there deal with complete adrenal insufficiency (NOT adrenal ‘fatigue’) and/or battle the hunger issues associated with having to take (steroid) cortisol replacement to stay alive? I’d love to connect with anyone who is going through this. (Adrenal insufficiency is not to be confused with adrenal ‘fatigue’. Adrenal insufficiency is life-threatening without proper steroid replacement.)

kommodevaran

Maybe being more conscious of hunger and separating hunger and appetite would help you?

1000eak

This is helpful! I’ll print it out. I’m often like number 2 but most often between 3 and 4.

1000eak

I really like the chart!!! I meant to THANK YOU!

hroderick

It's a challenge, but if I can do it anyone can. There are some 'volume eater' threads and maybe groups that suggest low cal per bite so you can eat a lot. Melon and squash are good candidates as are most veggies. I love me a Subway rotisserie chicken salad with no cheese and red vinegar and everything but pickles, a lot of food for 170 cal.

In the end it is going to require commitment, willpower, and knowledge. Studying and practicing mindful eating really helps me. Accurate logging will let you know where and when your calories are coming from. Learning your appetite triggers also help, for instance I had to quit watching cooking shows.

Eating healthy food helps me make every calorie count. I'm using platejoy.com to make planning great meals so easy. I prefer their recipes to eating out.

Turn your health trial into a blessing and let it drive you to become better in many ways. When I'm feeling tempted, I pray for mercy and when I drop a bit I give thanks. It truey helps me.

1000eak

Thank you for sharing!

The commitment, willpower and challenge you mentioned are all so important. Willpower is not something that’s never come natural to me regarding anything so I need to spend much time in prayer about this! My hunger and appetite are so much stronger than before I had to start taking the cortisol years ago.

You’re so right in that this is a blessing. It’s a challenging blessing! I’ve not been committed to daily lengthier prayers and Bible study in a while and it may be His way of telling me I need willpower and commitment through this challenge in all areas of my life. You’ve made me see this - thank you.

I can completely relate to not being able to watch TV food programs as it’s definitely a trigger for me too.

I will try to eat more melon and chicken salad - thank you for the recommendation. I will eat them both tonight for dinner since you recommended it and I happen to have both.

I have a tough time with portion control but it’s getting better because of the app. I can’t believe how much more I was eating until starting to use the app. I’ll look into the ‘volume eater’ threads shortly here. I can see how ‘accurate’ logging is a must too.

I’ll try platejoy. I’ve never heard of it.

Thank you, again!